In April 2015, an online platform called Lilac was launched in Egypt by a group of students from the American University of Cairo. This community based platform set out to be a safe space for people to open up about their emotions and their struggles with mental health issues but then it grew as more people discovered it and wanted to join in. It expanded by not only sharing people’s anonymous stories but also it began to share emotional art and poetry that resonated with the page’s followers.
Their most popular stories are those known as ‘Warrior Stories’. A Google Form is available for the followers to fill in anonymously so they can share any story or question they may have. Then, page managers go through those stories and post three of them on the page a day. Followers of the page can then interact with these stories giving feedback and support to those who need it.
The page also shares informational and educational content about emotions such as Grief and Fear; and different mental health disorders such as Anxiety and Depression.
The platform is still growing but the existence of such a platform for young Egyptians struggling with their mental health bodes well for the future of a society that had always classified mental illnesses as a taboo. This is a step forward towards change and compassion for those who are struggling.
By Mariam Attallah
Healthy Talk 
That is a beautiful example of how communities can come together and support each other’s health and wellbeing.
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creating a community-based mental health awareness… this is so powerful.
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